Life’s Tough, Explorers Are TOUGHER!

Richard Wiese
  • 5.0 (17)
  • DOCUMENTARY
Life’s Tough, Explorers Are TOUGHER!

“Exploring is an innate part of being human.” Richard Wiese, spends 30 minutes every week with some of the world’s most compelling adventurers, explorers, and socio-environmental advocates, listening to their distinct adventures, unique discoveries, projects & goals, while discovering their multitude of challenges, surprises, triumphs and set-backs they encounter along the way. Join Richard as he pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to travel around the world and beyond; explore some of the most exotic and often dangerous places; and uncover what makes people, places and our planet so special.

  1. 3D AGO

    Near-Drowning in Space: Luca Parmitano’s Incredible Survival Story

    In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers are Tougher, host Richard Wiese welcomes Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano, the first Italian to walk in space and a globally respected voice in the astronaut community. Luca opens up about his infamous near-drowning during a spacewalk, and how that life-threatening moment ultimately deepened his understanding of risk, resilience, and what it means to lead. Beyond spaceflight, Luca shares profound reflections on mindset, fatherhood, and the quiet discipline that drives extraordinary achievements. He offers insight into the many roles astronauts must play—technician, philosopher, teammate, and mentor—and reveals the emotional complexity behind space missions. This conversation is a masterclass in mental strength, ego regulation, and purposeful exploration. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    37 min

  2. JUL 2

    Crabbing Saved My Life—and Became My Mission

    In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers are Tougher, we meet Tia, a Charleston native whose journey from bartending to global recognition began with a personal health crisis. After years in the food and beverage industry, Tia’s decision to quit smoking triggered an unexpected and debilitating decline in her health. Conventional medicine offered no solutions, but a chance encounter with two holistic healers changed everything. Through an elimination diet and profound lifestyle changes, Tia not only reclaimed her health—she rediscovered her roots. Tia's reconnection came through the act of crabbing, a practice tied to her Gullah Geechee heritage. What began as a way to stay active turned into a viral Airbnb experience—“Casual Crabbing with Tia”—and a new mission to educate, preserve, and heal. Her story captures how the water became both a source of joy and transformation. She now champions oyster shell recycling and envisions a nonprofit dedicated to marine restoration. Tia's passion, vulnerability, and vision remind us that explorers come from everywhere—and often, they return home to find themselves. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    30 min

  3. JUN 25

    Susan Baur & her Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage

    In this episode of Life's Tough, Explorers are Tougher, host Richard Wiese dives into conversation with Susan Baur, founder of Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage. What began as a personal effort to clean Cape Cod ponds evolved into a joyful movement of women in their 60s to 80s suiting up in wetsuits to restore their local ecosystems. Susan shares how, after a career in psychology and writing, she found healing and renewed purpose through diving. From litter to laughter, these “old ladies” are flipping perceptions of age and service—proving that community, curiosity, and courage don’t retire. This episode is a celebration of humor, second chances, and the grit it takes to find joy in unexpected places. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    24 min

  4. JUN 18

    Brendan Hall: Storytelling and the National Parks

    In this episode of Life's Tough, Explorers are Tougher, host Richard Wiese welcomes filmmaker, photographer, and Explorers Club 50 honoree Brendan Hall. Brendan shares how his childhood passion for filming led him to a career as a documentary filmmaker and how his authentic, accessible approach to storytelling shaped his journey. Brendan discusses his selection for the dearMoon mission, a civilian lunar project with SpaceX, and how the experience impacted his life even though the mission was eventually canceled. He also dives into the making of his film Out There: A National Parks Story, which took seven years to complete and focuses on personal, transformative experiences in national parks rather than extreme feats. Brendan emphasizes the importance of capturing genuine stories, vulnerability, and the communal power of storytelling to inspire and connect people. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    30 min

  5. JUN 11

    Way Out There: J.R. Harris's Solo Trekker Journey

    In this episode of Life's Tough, Explorers are Tougher, host Richard Wiese talks with J.R. Harris, veteran solo trekker and author of Way Out There. J.R. shares how a kid from Queens, New York, became a lifelong wilderness explorer, shaped by early Boy Scout experiences and a desire to live life on his own terms. They discuss the allure of solo travel, the emotional impact of nature, and how J.R.’s solo hiking began long before diversity in outdoor spaces was common. He reflects on how wilderness shaped his identity, gave him confidence, and taught him timeless lessons about people, respect, and empathy. With humor and honesty, J.R. unpacks why nature is not just a destination—but a mindset and a way of life. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    20 min

  6. JUN 4

    Forager to Chef: Chrissy Tracey's Plant-Based Story

    In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers Are Tougher!, host Richard Wiese welcomes Chrissy Tracey—vegan chef, forager, sustainability advocate, and author of Forage & Feast. Chrissy shares her journey from exploring wild plants as a child in Connecticut to developing a deep connection with food through her Jamaican heritage and plant-based lifestyle. Listeners will hear how a life-changing visit to her grandmother in Jamaica opened her eyes to living off the land, and how that experience eventually led to her career in foraging and sustainable cooking. Chrissy offers practical insights on flavor, technique, and the cultural significance of food. She also reflects on her recent recognition as part of The Explorers Club 50 and her mission to inspire underrepresented voices in the world of exploration. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    28 min

  7. MAY 29

    Life with Orangutans: Dr. Birute Galdikas

    Dr. Birute Galdikas has dedicated over 50 years of her life to studying and protecting orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo. As one of the legendary “Trimates” chosen by Louis Leakey — alongside Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey — Birute helped pioneer the field of primatology and conservation. In this episode of Life's Tough, Explorers are Tougher, she reflects on her journey from graduate student to global conservationist. She shares deeply personal stories about bonding with wild orangutans, the challenges of navigating foreign cultures, and the evolution of orangutan behavior under environmental stress. Birute also opens up about the sacrifices she's made, her unique role in Indonesian society, and her enduring hope for change. Hosted by Richard Wiese, this conversation is a tribute to endurance, compassion, and what it truly means to dedicate your life to a cause greater than yourself. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    23 min

  8. MAY 21

    Brad Lidge: From World Series to Ancient World Ruins

    Brad Lidge is known for his dominance on the mound during the 2008 MLB postseason—but what most people don’t know is what came next. In this game-changing episode of Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, host Richard Wiese interviews Brad about his surprising journey from baseball hero to archaeologist. Brad reveals how his love for ancient history began during his baseball career and culminated in a master’s degree and multiple archaeological expeditions across Italy. He shares the moment he uncovered a Roman coin, the traits from sports that helped him thrive in academia, and his latest research into mysterious Etruscan symbols. He also reflects on his fascination with potential Viking settlements in North America—and how he hopes to contribute to rewriting history. Whether you’re an explorer, a sports fan, or someone thinking about reinventing their career, Brad’s story proves that the adventure doesn’t stop after the game ends. Follow your passion—there’s still more to discover. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

    29 min
See All (25)

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

“Exploring is an innate part of being human.” Richard Wiese, spends 30 minutes every week with some of the world’s most compelling adventurers, explorers, and socio-environmental advocates, listening to their distinct adventures, unique discoveries, projects & goals, while discovering their multitude of challenges, surprises, triumphs and set-backs they encounter along the way. Join Richard as he pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to travel around the world and beyond; explore some of the most exotic and often dangerous places; and uncover what makes people, places and our planet so special.

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada